Green-fingered school children from Wirral have been creating new Tiny Forests this week as part of a partnership commitment to tackling climate change.

More than 1,200 new trees have been planted at Citrine Road in Seacombe and The Delph, Wallasey, by pupils from a number of local primary and secondary schools supported by families and community groups.

The Tiny Forest initiative is led by environmental Earthwatch Europe, an environmental charity with science at its heart.

Lynn Struve, Wirral Council’s Eco Schools Co-ordinator, said: “We are always looking at new ways to engage our young people in activities that not only promote biodiversity as a concept, but also give them the opportunity to get hands on as well!

"Tiny Forest is a perfect opportunity to do that and the really great thing is that they will get to see the trees they have planted grow in the coming years and they will see for themselves the benefits they bring to their own community.”

Schools in Wallasey have helped plant more than 1,200 trees

Schools in Wallasey have helped plant more than 1,200 trees

'Tiny Forests' are densely-planted native woodlands the size of a tennis court that can help mitigate the impacts of climate change, support urban wildlife and reconnect people with nature, offering multiple co-benefits for a community.

These miniature forests grow rapidly, becoming more biodiverse and impactful more quickly than monoculture forests or isolated trees.

More than 3,000 Tiny Forests have already been planted around the world, with Earthwatch Europe pioneering the movement in the UK.

The tree planting session at Citrine Road is part of a wider local environmental project called the ‘Citrine Citizen Science Forest Project’, which gives pupils the chance to work alongside forest schools, universities, community groups and other specialists to broaden their awareness of ‘green’ issues.

Children from Somerville, St Joseph’s and Kingsway primary schools will be taking part on November 16, as they plant their Tiny Forest on land at Citrine Road. Students who attend Wirral WRAP – an alternative school provider – will also take part.

School children have been planting new trees in Wirral

School children have been planting new trees in Wirral

At the Delph fields in Liscard on November 17, pupils from Liscard and St George’s primaries, as well as Mosslands and Oldershaw secondary schools, will plant another Tiny Forest consisting of around 600 trees, plants and ground cover.

Louise Hartley, Tiny Forest Programme Manager at Earthwatch Europe, said: “Tiny Forest provides rich opportunities for connecting young and old alike with the environment and sustainability. It’s vital that we give people the knowledge and skills to protect our natural world and inspire them to take positive action. We are delighted to be working with Wirral Council, local schools and our partners to bring these inspiring spaces to Wallasey.”

All groups will be supported in their activities by Earthwatch and their partners at Ground Control, as well as Wirral Council and Mersey Forest.